Birthdays!

We started a tradition this month.  My girls got to choose a cake flavor (L: Blueberry, Kj: Peppermint), and we made a cake together the morning of their birthday.  We used the The Cake Mix Doctor Cookbook.  Then we ate it gradually throughout the next week.  BUT since their birthdays are so close together we also had a birthday party for them and a couple others.  So, I made multiple cake mixes one day and made layers corresponding to their age.  B: 1, L: 3, Kj: 5, Bumpa: 62...ok, so I fudged a little on his, he got 1 layer with a big 62 on the top!  :)  Yumm...I'd skip the plain cake mixes next time though, as they are a bit drier than my doctored recipes which add yogurt or cream or pudding!! 

DIY Spray-in-Conditioner

For my L...and she wouldn't let me use it.

12 oz. spray bottle
1-2 T. conditioner
squirt of aloe vera
water to fill

~Shake and spray.  Works well on Kj!

Letting Go

This is what I was trained to do.  Love so much and be able to let them go.  God is good and his timing is perfect.

For the last two and a half weeks we have been waiting to let go.  We have been planning and packing, but didn't know the day or the hour.  Then it came suddenly.  "I'll be there in half an hour."  Wow, a whirlwind of activity pursued.  We had been prepared 2 weeks ago.  All the toys in a pile, all the clothes washed and extras packed.  And today...I searched everywhere to find those things again. 

Does this scenario sound familiar?  Well, two weeks ago when our letting go started, my Bible study was on being prepared.  Being ready for we don't know the day or the hour when Jesus will returned.  Yes, it is just a small reflection on what is in the Bible, but it made it seem real in my life. 

As, I passed through those weeks, my emotions flip-flopped and I felt callous for saying that I was ready.  I found out the truth -- I was not callous!  No matter how ready I said that I was, it was still tear-jerking letting him go.  The hardest part for me...he had no idea what he was getting into.  I buckled him into the social workers carseat and gave him some kisses...closed the door and waved.  The trust in his eyes.  Dear Lord, build that trust in him again in his new family.  Prepare the way!!  Bring him peace.  Goodbye dear one!  You have left my home but never my heart. 

Thank you to everyone for all of your support, prayers, babysitting, loving on him, caring for him, showing Jesus to him...

Cute Conversations

After Great-Grandma's birthday weekend:

Daddy:  What was your favorite part of this weekend?
Kj:  The birthday.
L (later):  Those doggies.
Daddy:  At first you weren't so sure about those dogs.
Kj:  At first I wasn't sure about that Tanner, but then...  (smirk)...  I got funnier with him.

The morning of L's birthday:

Daddy:  What do you want to do for your birthday?
L:  Anything.  (meaning:  nothing)
Daddy:  Do you want to go somewhere?
L:  I want everyone to stay home.  (meaning:  Kevin should stay home from work)
Daddy:  What about someplace fun like the zoo?
L:  Yeah!
Daddy:  Who would meet you at the zoo?
L:  Curl Grandma.
Daddy:  What about Nana?
L:  No!
Daddy:  Why?
L:  She no where the zoo is!
Daddy:  I think she does!

The day after getting family pictures done...at which L was shy and didn't want her picture taken:

L:  I want her to take pictures of me.

Better Than Chocolates

Can you guess what the girls call "better than chocolates"?  Red peppers!  Kevin suggested it and they agreed.  But not only were peppers better than chocolates but also "all begtables".  Yes, they have tasted chocolate. 

My First Official "Party"

These are pictures from my first "party", I was a bit nervous and unsure of what to say or do when people walked in, but I warmed up...I think at least.  And it was a good intro party, as there were 4 guests including my hostess/friend (A).  I was able to meet A's mom for the first time, her friend since high school, and a coworker, whom I had met once before through another mutual friend.  Success!  

They tell you to have goals and I have to tell you two of mine: no pressure and one party per month.  So, I was bringing a catalog to a friend.  She had mentioned that she was looking for some items for the entryway of her new home.  I placed the catalog in her diaper bag and we both left a child in the nursery at our church.  I come back later to see how B is doing and one of the nursery workers, T, asked me if I sold Blessings.  "Uh, yes..."  "I want to have a party.  I'm going to have a $400 party."  Ok, no pressure!  March, taken care of!  I can praise God in this, right!?  He's even in the little things.